Duggal Greenhouse Hosts High-Stakes Democratic Debate

Duggal Greenhouse Hosts High-Stakes Democratic Debate

On April 14, all eyes were on the Brooklyn Navy Yard as Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders faced off in a pivotal Democratic debate at the Duggal Greenhouse. More than 1,100 attendees came out for CNN’s “Battle in Brooklyn,” while millions more across the country tuned in at home.

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

The debate was gritty, edgy, and–as CNN Washington bureau chief and senior vice president, Sam Feist told TheWrap–“authentically New York.” Likewise, the days leading up to it were every bit as high-octane.

With just over a week’s notice, VP of Duggal Global Events, Mary Lovci and Assistant Coordinator, Kimberly Leonard led the way in preparing the 35,000-square-foot venue for the national spotlight. Meanwhile, the Duggal Visual Solutions production team worked tirelessly to create and install graphics. For a team that has hosted the likes of Beyoncé, Lady GaGa, AOL, Dior and many others, the challenge was taken with pure confidence.

“This debate came together in a very, very short amount of time,” Feist told the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. “In record time is a good way to describe it. This venue speaks volumes to where we are, which is in the heart of Brooklyn.”

A centerpiece in what is arguably the nation’s biggest industrial redevelopment success story, the Greenhouse garnered a great deal of media attention in its own right. Media outlets noted the building’s history and revitalization. The New York Times ran an especially insightful piece. And come debate night, guests couldn’t help but marvel at the Navy Yard’s sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline.

V.P. of Duggal Greenhouse and Global Events, Mary Lovci, prepares for an interview with NY1 prior to the debate